The new Trump administration policy on pricing at U.S. National Parks, officially termed the “America-First Entry Fee Policies,” represents a significant shift in how entrance and pass fees are structured for visitors to the National Park System (NPS). It still doesn’t go quite far enough.
The new pricing for Americans and non-residents (mostly international tourists) announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on Tuesday is set to take effect in January 2026. For Americans, the price stays the same, costing the standard $80 fee for an annual America the Beautiful Pass (covering NPS and other federal lands).
However, the non-resident annual pass has increased to $250 for foreign visitors. Additionally, while there will be eight “free days,” such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Flag Day, where the visitors can enter NPS without charge, the free entrance will only be available for Americans. Foreigners will be required to pay the full entry fee. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support @NatlParkService, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!https://t.co/zxpGlJMayG
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) November 25, 2025
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The underlying point of the policy shift is to keep America’s national parks accessible to Americans while addressing the $23 billion deferred maintenance backlog and revenue shortfalls from government shutdowns and understaffing at entrance stations. The DOI argues that the policy will raise an estimated $90 million in new revenue, helping address crumbling infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and visitor facilities. All while not increasing the burden on Americans caused by the federal government’s mismanagement. (ROOKE: Big City Life’s Encroachment Into Suburban, Rural Communities Hits New Low)
Entry into our national parks should be free for Americans. However, it is a step in the right direction for them to be at least financially more accessible to Americans than to foreign visitors. Hopefully, this will spark renewed interest among U.S. families to embark on the great American road trip to visit these historical and breathtaking sights.
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